Researchers discovered that compounds found in goji berries (Lycium barbarum) may help reverse fatty liver disease caused by high-fat diets. In a study using mice, goji berry extract reduced liver damage, decreased inflammation, and improved the balance of healthy bacteria in the gut. The extract appears to work by fixing a broken chemical process in the body called the methionine cycle, which helps cells stay healthy. These findings suggest goji berries could become a natural food-based treatment for fatty liver disease, a condition affecting millions of people worldwide.

The Quick Take

  • What they studied: Whether goji berry extract can reverse fatty liver disease caused by eating too much fat and sugar, and how it works in the body
  • Who participated: Laboratory mice were fed a high-fat, high-sugar diet to develop fatty liver disease, then treated with goji berry extract for 10 weeks
  • Key finding: Goji berry extract significantly reduced liver damage, lowered inflammation markers, and restored healthy gut bacteria in mice with fatty liver disease
  • What it means for you: This research suggests goji berries might help people with fatty liver disease, but human studies are still needed to confirm these results. It’s too early to use this as a treatment without talking to a doctor

The Research Details

Scientists extracted and purified compounds called polyphenols from goji berries. They created fatty liver disease in mice by feeding them a high-fat diet with added sugar water for 10 weeks. Some mice received goji berry extract while others didn’t, allowing researchers to compare the effects.

The team used advanced laboratory techniques to identify exactly which compounds in goji berries were active, map out how these compounds might work in the body, and examine tissue samples under microscopes. They also analyzed the chemical changes in the liver, colon, and gut contents, and studied the bacteria living in the mice’s intestines using genetic testing.

This multi-layered approach allowed researchers to understand not just whether goji berries helped, but exactly how they worked and which body systems were affected.

This research approach is important because it goes beyond simply testing whether something works—it explains the actual biological mechanisms. By studying liver tissue, colon tissue, gut bacteria, and chemical pathways simultaneously, researchers could show how goji berries affect multiple body systems that are connected through the ‘gut-liver axis,’ a communication network between the digestive system and liver.

This study used established scientific methods including genetic sequencing, advanced chemical analysis, and molecular docking (computer modeling of how compounds interact with proteins). The research was conducted in a controlled laboratory setting with mice, which is a standard first step before human testing. However, results in mice don’t always translate directly to humans, so human studies would be needed to confirm these findings. The study was published in a peer-reviewed journal, meaning other scientists reviewed the work before publication.

What the Results Show

Goji berry extract significantly reduced the amount of fat buildup in liver cells and decreased visible damage to liver tissue when examined under a microscope. The extract also reduced inflammation throughout the body by lowering levels of inflammatory chemicals (TNF-α, IL-10, and IL-6) in the blood, liver, and colon.

The extract restored the body’s natural defense systems against cellular damage by increasing levels of protective enzymes (SOD, MPO, GST, and GSH-Px) in both the liver and colon. This suggests goji berries help cells protect themselves from harmful damage.

The research identified five main active compounds in goji berries responsible for these benefits: rutin, astragaloside, isoquercitrin, luteolin, and 4-coumaric acid. These compounds appear to work together rather than individually.

Most importantly, the study found that goji berry extract fixes a broken chemical process called the methionine cycle, which is essential for healthy cell function. This cycle produces a critical molecule called SAM that cells need to function properly, and the extract prevented harmful buildup of a toxic byproduct called homocysteine.

Goji berry extract restored healthy balance to the gut bacteria ecosystem. Specifically, it increased beneficial bacteria like Lactobacillus and Akkermansia while reducing harmful bacteria. The extract also increased production of short-chain fatty acids, which are beneficial compounds produced by healthy gut bacteria that protect the intestinal lining and reduce inflammation. The study showed that changes in gut bacteria were directly connected to improvements in liver health, demonstrating that gut health and liver health are closely linked.

This research builds on previous knowledge that gut bacteria and liver health are connected, and that inflammation plays a major role in fatty liver disease. However, this study is novel in showing that goji berries specifically work through the methionine cycle—a chemical pathway that hadn’t been previously identified as a target for treating fatty liver disease. The findings align with traditional Chinese medicine’s use of goji berries for liver health, providing scientific explanation for why this traditional remedy may work.

This study was conducted only in mice, not humans, so results may not apply directly to people. The study doesn’t specify how many mice were used in each group, making it harder to assess the strength of the findings. The research doesn’t test whether eating whole goji berries would have the same effect as the purified extract used in the study. Additionally, the study doesn’t examine whether these benefits would persist long-term or what the optimal dose would be for humans. Finally, the study doesn’t compare goji berries to existing medical treatments for fatty liver disease.

The Bottom Line

Based on this research, goji berries show promise as a potential functional food for fatty liver disease, but current evidence is limited to laboratory studies in mice. Eating goji berries as part of a healthy diet is generally safe and may provide other health benefits, but they should not be used as a replacement for medical treatment of fatty liver disease. Anyone with fatty liver disease should consult their doctor before making dietary changes or taking supplements. More research in humans is needed before goji berries can be recommended as a treatment.

People with fatty liver disease or those at risk (overweight, diabetic, or eating high-fat diets) should find this research interesting, though it’s too early to change treatment based on these findings. Healthcare providers treating fatty liver disease may want to monitor this research as it develops. People interested in functional foods and natural remedies may appreciate the scientific explanation of how traditional remedies work. However, people without liver disease don’t need to change their diet based on this single study.

In the mice studied, improvements in liver damage and inflammation appeared within 10 weeks of treatment. If similar effects occur in humans, benefits might take several weeks to months to become noticeable. However, this timeline is speculative since human studies haven’t been conducted yet. Long-term effects and whether benefits persist after stopping treatment are unknown.

Want to Apply This Research?

  • Users could track weekly servings of goji berries (fresh, dried, or juice) and correlate with energy levels, digestion comfort, and any available liver health markers (like ALT enzyme levels if monitored by their doctor). Set a goal of 1-2 servings per week and monitor consistency.
  • Add a daily reminder to include goji berries in meals—sprinkle dried goji berries on oatmeal, yogurt, or salads, or drink goji berry tea. Start with small amounts (1 tablespoon dried berries daily) and track tolerance. Pair this with other liver-healthy habits like reducing processed foods and increasing exercise.
  • Create a weekly log tracking goji berry consumption, digestive symptoms, energy levels, and any available health markers. Set monthly check-ins to assess consistency and any perceived changes. If using an app with health integration, track liver enzyme levels if available through connected health records. Note any changes in appetite, digestion, or energy that might correlate with increased goji berry intake.

This research is preliminary and was conducted only in mice. These findings do not constitute medical advice or approval for treating fatty liver disease in humans. Goji berries should not be used as a replacement for medical treatment of fatty liver disease. Anyone with liver disease, taking medications, or considering dietary supplements should consult their healthcare provider before making changes. While goji berries are generally safe for most people, they may interact with certain medications or cause allergic reactions in sensitive individuals. Always discuss any new dietary interventions with your doctor, especially if you have an existing health condition.